Posted by metric on April 17, 2009, at 10:20:53
In reply to Re: Who has taken Klonpin for anxiety? » metric, posted by garnet71 on April 7, 2009, at 18:57:49
Sorry I didn't respond sooner. This thread slipped passed my radar.
> So if benzos cause memory loss - is the process of memory destruction similar to say, Alzheimer's. I mean, is it permanent?
It's completely different. Benzodiazepines don't affect memory by causing organic damage. They dose-dependently produce anterograde amnesia. This means that you may not remember events that happened while you were under the influence of the drug. Your ability to form memories returns to normal after the drug has worn off. This property of benzodazepines is exploited in surgical practice. Benzos are sometimes administered intravenously preoperatively for the express purpose of inducing anterograde amnesia: the patient remains conscious yet has no recollection of the event. It feels like a time-warp has occurred.
The practical significance of this at typical doses used clinically is a matter of debate, and there seems to be a high degree of individual variability.
poster:metric
thread:889015
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090416/msgs/891204.html